The Adventure Wave - Schoel, Prouty, Radcliffe 1988

The Adventure Wave


Schoel, Prouty, Radcliffe 1988

The Adventure Wave model of experiential learning is comprised of five elements: bedrock, sequencing, briefing, leading, and debriefing. These elements, when thoughtfully put together, create a powerful activity for the learner using a series of peaks and valleys (Schoel, Prouty, & Radcliffe 1988). The five elements are described below.

Schoel et al. (1998) describes bedrock as the foundation of adventure based counseling. The bedrock of a positive and effective learning experience includes specifically defined terms and goals, the development of a proposal and implementation plan, proper leadership and training, adequate resources, initial diagnostic procedures, and proper formation of participant groups. These topics create a solid foundation for developing an experiential curriculum or sequencing play.

After establishing the program’s bedrock, sequencing is used to appropriately order each activity according to the needs of the participants. This is accomplished by, first, using lead-up activities which physically and emotionally prepare the participants for the difficult activity that they will experience. The next part of sequencing is to develop a well thought out plan which properly orders each briefing, activity, and debriefing. Finally, each sequencing plan needs to be flexible due to the nature of adventure based counseling and the fact that each group will have different needs (Schoel et al. 1988).

Once the sequencing play is established, it is important to determine how to brief the participants. Briefing is described as a discussion period in which the group is informed of the rules and the goals of the activity. The topics that are discussed during the briefing directly relate to the upcoming activity (Schoel et al. 1988).

After properly briefing, a group of participants is lead through an activity. During this phase of the Adventure Wave, participants will have a wide spectrum of reactions. They may relax, learn to trust, try new things, and even grow, or, they may rebel against the activity and even the leader. Each activity requires a leader who has an effective leadership style so they can counsel the participants using the appropriate method at the appropriate time (Schoel et al. 1988).

Following the activity, the group moves into a time of reflection known as debriefing. This phase of the wave is typically the hardest for leaders to execute. It involves discussing and dealing with apparent or difficult issues that may have been manifested during the activity. The debriefing session is what makes the activity a meaningful experience for the group (Schoel et al. 1988).




Schoel, J. Prouty, D., & Radcliffe, P. (1988). Islands of healing: A guide to adventure based
counselling. Hamilton, Massachusetts: Project Adventure, Inc.